Tôkyô vanpaia hoteru

The plot is silly and the acting is not much better. But I give it an A+ on the gore and eroticism. Don't go out of your way for this one, but if you got nothing to do on a rainy weekend and you enjoy over-the-top violence in the name of vampires...this could be the show for you.

Goodness - by the end it's absolutely one of the funniest things since ... brain dead? Crossed with the cook the thief his wife her lover.

As the effects get worse the series really finds its self.

I've seen many vampire stories and this one is quite unique. Far from the usual human vs vampire view, we have here two vampire faction fighting each over. Fights are very visual and bloody, very far from the usual clean views that we find in most vampire films.

Some times, it may be a little confusing... but everything comes in place later.

This series is bifurcated into the many things it does so well and the things which appal. The filming done on location in Romania, though short, is suitably strange and gives the series an international look. The anime flavour to the fluffy story inspires some of the best live action choreographed anime. People do walk into hits but that's to be expected with so many bodies flying about.

The costuming is exquisite and playful from tourists abroad to Grand Guignol vampire fashion. Cosplay elements helped define character and ordinary weirdness of this vampire world. Soundtrack plays well with the violence and mayhem. The strident stripes of the hotel give way to colour and warmth reflecting both sides towards the end coming to a friendly arrangement.

Characters have no life of their own, even caricature would work better. Manami, the major focus of the series, walks around stunned and not knowing what she is doing most of the time. The brilliant action sequences squeeze out the plot so that it is inconsequential. Some humour in the vampires' breeding programme for humans but drowned out by the violence. K's lesbian back story is tokenism and if foregrounded would have given the plot more sinew. The overriding plot of vampire faction machinations fizzles out to... From the very first massacre we are warned that style comes first, explanation if any is an afterthought.

Tokyo Vampire Hotel served as my introduction to Sono Sion's work and it did not disappoint. I am a fan of the vampire genre, but most films and television series do not do it justice. This series, however, was completely engrossing and a must-see if you are a fan of the genre. The storyline was unlike anything I've ever come across - it was surprisingly engaging and it kept you thinking well afterwards. The visuals were utterly stunning, akin to a dreamscape, and reminiscent of Stanley Kubrick. Overall, very mind blowing! I am very glad to have discovered the series and look forward to watching it again.